Halfpenny Rose Red facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Halfpenny Rose Red |
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| Country of production | United Kingdom |
| Date of production | 1 October 1870–1880 |
| Depicts | Queen Victoria |
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| Face value | 1⁄2d |
The Halfpenny Rose Red is a famous old postage stamp from the United Kingdom. It was first made on October 1, 1870. This stamp was special because it was the very first halfpenny stamp ever released in the UK.
Why was this tiny stamp made? It was needed because the cost to send newspapers and postcards became cheaper. So, a smaller, cheaper stamp was created. The Halfpenny Rose Red is super tiny! It measures about 17.5 by 14 millimeters. This makes it the smallest postage stamp ever issued in the UK.
Contents
The Stamp's Look and How It Was Made
These small stamps were sometimes called 'Bantams'. This nickname came from a type of small chicken. The stamps were printed in large sheets. Each sheet held 480 stamps. They were arranged in 20 rows, with 24 stamps in each row.
The stamps were made using a special method called line engraving. This means the design was carved into a metal plate. The design showed a picture of Queen Victoria. Her profile, or side view, was featured. On each side of her picture, you could see '½d' for halfpenny.
Plate Numbers and Watermarks
Each stamp had a plate number hidden in its design. These numbers were found in the lace-like patterns on the left and right sides. The plates were numbered from 1 to 22. However, not all plates were used. For example, plates 2, 7, 16, 17, and 18 were never finished. Plates 21 and 22 were also not used for printing. Plate 9 is quite rare today. It was a backup plate and not used very often.
The stamps also had a special watermark. This was the word "halfpenny" hidden in the paper. This watermark was very long. It stretched across three stamps at once!
When the Stamp Was Replaced
The Halfpenny Rose Red stamp was used for about ten years. In 1880, a new stamp took its place. This new stamp was called the Halfpenny Green stamp. It was made using a different printing method.
See also
